Millburn Zoning Board Tackles Variances and FAR Calculations

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Millburn Town Zoning Board addressed several significant zoning variance requests, with a particular focus on a complex case involving multiple variances for a property undergoing construction in the R3 Zone District. The board engaged in thorough discussions regarding the interpretation of the floor area ratio (FAR) concerning detached garages in residential properties, revealing divergent opinions and prompting a detailed examination of the township’s zoning ordinance.

Morris Plains Board Approves Development Project

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Morris Plains Planning Board granted preliminary site plan approval for a substantial development project, encompassing retail, commercial, and daycare facilities, alongside a self-storage unit and a food market. The project, with a total square footage of 278,000 square feet, sparked debates over tree removal, parking variances, and stormwater management.

Little Falls Board Denies Zen Real Estate Building Application

Overview: In the most recent Little Falls Planning Board meeting, the Board denied the application from Zen Real Estate LLC for various variances required for their property development. This decision was reached due to a lack of affirmative votes. Zen Real Estate’s application had been a continuation from a previous hearing, and revised plans were presented which included a 20-foot setback and a 30-foot height, intended to address concerns about visual impact from neighboring properties. However, discussions at the meeting revealed persistent concerns about the visual impact of the rooftop and the safety of potential installations. Despite suggestions to condition any screening to the review and approval of the planner, the board could not resolve the variances being sought, leading to the denial of the application.

Bernards Zoning Board Approves Variances for Residential Improvements

Overview: In a recent Bernards Zoning Board meeting, variances were granted for residential property improvements, including the construction of a pool and outdoor entertainment area, and a home addition project. These approvals came after thorough discussions focused on the impact of such developments on the neighborhood’s environment and aesthetic.

Millburn Zoning Board Greenlights Buddhist Center Despite Parking Concerns

Overview: In a notable development at the recent Millburn Town Zoning Board meeting, members granted a use variance for the establishment of a Dharma Chakra Buddhist center on Main Street, in a space previously challenged by parking and flooding issues. The decision followed extensive deliberation over the center’s impact on local parking availability and its adherence to contractual parking lease terms.